Wednesday, January 29, 2014

I used a power tool for the first time, completely unsupervised and I survived. All my fingers are intact.

What does one do, after they've used a power tool? Embroider something of course.

Ever wonder if wood could be embroidered? The answer is YES! And, I'm about to show you how.

First, you'll need some sort of wood to embroider (driftwood, barn wood, wood coasters). If you want to use slices of a log, like I've used, check out my wood coaster tutorial for full directions.

Next, lightly sketch out the shape you want to embroider in pencil. Once you have your shape drawn, again, in pencil, mark approximate location for the holes to be drilled.

Using the smallest bit on your power drill, begin to drill holes through the wood.
*Place a thick board beneath the piece of wood you are drilling.

Make sure the drill goes completely through the wood.

Once you have completed drilling your holes, you can start embroidering your wood.

Thread an average sewing needle with embroidery thread, knot the end of the embroidery thread.

Start embroidering.

Come up through the back of the wood (point a). Your knot should hold in the back of point (a) (if the knot comes through the front, simply make your knot larger). Bring your needle down through point (b), pulling the thread taunt as you go. Come back up through point (c), continuing to pull the thread taunt. Return the needle to point (b), going back down. Come back up at point (d) then go back down at point (c).

Continue until you have completed embroidering your shape.

Whatever shape that might be.

What more fun could you possible have using power tools and embroidery thread?

These would make great coasters, ornaments, home decor, art or the sweetest Valentines.

Of course, if you decide to use them as Valentines, make sure you include a card that says something like:

Monday, January 27, 2014

While Wearing Heels typically doesn't participate in giveaways. I've been contacted by several companies and it just never seemed a good fit...until now. Uncommon Goods, a company I love, has offered to give one of my lucky readers a $50 gift certificate.

As a lover of unique homemade items made by creative people, Uncommon Goods is often my go to source. They make it their mission to support and provide a platform for artists and designers, most of which are created right here in the USA.

They feature unique designs and handcrafted gifts created in harmony with the environment and without harm to animals or people. Which makes the crafty eye candy they provide even better.

As a lover of Valentine's day, I'm quite smitten with the collection of Valentine's day gifts Uncommon Goods has put together. You can see their complete list by clicking here. I'm considering getting Grace this 'What I Love About You By Me' book.

I think it would make a memorable keepsake. And, I can easily share 50 things I love about that little girl.

Where Grace is often easy to buy for, my husband is not. Uncommon Goods provides a wide variety of unique gifts for the man in your life too. From the bicyclist to the sports lover to the musician, this list has a little bit of everything for the man in your life. Visit Uncommon Goods to see their extensive list.

I even found something the woodaholic would love. This wood carved skyline though ours would have to be of the Chicago skyline.

My sweet husband is a reader of While Wearing Heels. So, let's just say this is a subtle (ok, not so subtle) hint that he could find some beautiful, one of a kind pieces of jewelry here.

Uncommon Goods is generously offering a $50 gift certificate to a lucky While Wearing Heels readers! This giveaway is open to all who have a US shipping address. Please leave one comment for every entry.

ALSO IF YOU ARE A NO REPLY BLOGGER, PLEASE MAKE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL SO I CAN CONTACT YOU IF WIN.

Entry #3: Visit Uncommon Goods and tell me which product you’d like to try in the comments section

Enter by midnight January 30. Winner will be randomly selected on January 31st and contacted via email. Winner will have 24 hrs to respond to email
or another winner will be selected. Winner must have a US shipping
address. Good luck!

Uncommon Goods has sponsored this giveaway however all opinions
are my own. While Wearing Heels does not make any commission from purchases made at Uncommon
Goods.

*A winner was selected using Random.Org. That winner is Nova. Congratulations Nova. Have fun shopping at Uncommon Goods...and thank you for following While Wearing Heels.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Valentine's Day. In the world of retail, Valentine's hype started the day after Christmas. Today, the Valentine's hype starts right here, with a roundup of previous Valentine inspired projects I've shared.

Heat olive oil and cumin in a big chili pot for about 1-2 minutes, over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and green pepper. Stir and cook for another 10 minutes, giving your vegetables time to saute.

Season your cubed chicken with chili powder. Add your seasoned chicken, along with oregano and 1 bay leaf to the pot. Cook for about another 10 minutes. Add diced tomatoes, green chilies and stir to combine. Cook another 5-10 minutes. Add chicken stock, kidney beans and season with salt.

Simmer your delicious chili concoction for at least 2 hours. I like to make this a day in advance, letting it sit overnight so the flavors have time to really come together. If you decide to do the same, let it simmer on the stove for another hour or two the next day.

About Me

Adjusting to life since being laid off. When days used to consist of business deals and wearing heels. Now that I am a stay at home mom, in addition to taking care of my adorable little girl, I am learning more about cooking, crafting and creating while realizing that even though I am a stay at home mom, I can still wear my heels!

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